All the relevant parties in the case, including the DPO, Ghotki; the DIG, Investigation; the TPO, Pano Aqil; the DPO, Sukkur; Khuda Bakhsh (Shaista’s father), and Lal Mohammad (Balkh Sher’s uncle) were present during the hearing.

The judges directed the parties concerned to present both Shaista Almani and her husband, Balkh Sher Mahar, on the next date of hearing.

They were directed to ensure that the couple was not harmed in any way.

It may be mentioned here that the case is being heard suo moto by the Sindh High Court, Sukkur bench, on a representation made by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan’s chairperson, Henna Jeelani, in which she showed apprehension that the lives of the couple were endangered as they had returned to live with their families.

Earlier, Imdad Awan, lawyer of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, requested the court to file a new petition in the case so that points which were not in the picture could be brought to light.

The court allowed Mr Imdad to file a fresh petition.

The court directed the DPO, Sukkur, to investigate the case registered against Balkh Sher Mahar and Shaista Almani under section 365, 148 and under the Zina Hudood Ordinance at the Pano Aqil police station and submit a report to the court as soon as possible.